🕊️ DOMINION DAILY DEVOTION ~ DAY 238 DATE: 26TH AUGUST 2026 TOPIC: TAKE HIS YOKE UPON YOU ANCHOR SCRIPTURE:MATTHEW 11:29–30 (NKJV) “Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” Devotional message: Yesterday, we saw that true rest is found when we come to Jesus. Today, we go a step further: Jesus does not only invite us to come to Him for rest; He calls us to take His yoke upon us.What does it mean to take the yoke of Christ? A yoke was a wooden bar used to join animals together so that they could work and move in the same direction. Once yoked together, the animals could not simply choose their own direction independently. They had to move together under the direction of the one leading the work. Spiritually, taking the yoke of Christ speaks of surrender, submission, discipleship, and learning to walk according to His will.When you come to Jesus, you receive rest. But when you take His yoke, you surrender the right to make yourself the ultimate authority over your life.You begin to say:“Lord, not my will, but Yours be done.”This is exactly what Jesus demonstrated in His earthly life. In the Garden of Gethsemane, He prayed:Luke 22:42 (NKJV)“Nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done.” The Christian life is therefore not simply about receiving Jesus as Saviour while continuing to govern our lives according to our own desires. Jesus is not only Saviour; He is Lord.Taking His yoke means allowing Him to order our steps,His Word to determine our choices,His principles to govern our relationships,His will to shape our ambitions,His Spirit to direct our decisions and learning His ways and following His footsteps. The world also offers many “yokes.” The pursuit of wealth, recognition, pleasure, human approval, ambition, and worldly success can become burdens that people carry throughout their lives. Jesus offers another way.He says:“My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”This does not mean following Christ will never involve sacrifice, discipline, persecution, or difficult decisions. Jesus Himself told His disciples to take up their cross and follow Him.Rather, His yoke is “easy” because we are no longer carrying the burden of trying to be our own saviour, determining our own ultimate purpose, or living separated from the One who created us. There is a profound rest that comes from knowing:“I belong to Him. My life is in His hands. His will is my direction.” Child of God, perhaps you have come to Jesus but are still trying to control every area of your life.You want Him to save you, but not direct you.You want His blessings, but not His instructions.You want His promises, but not His yoke.You want His comfort, but not His correction.But Jesus calls us not only to come to Him, but also to take His yoke and learn from Him. True rest is not found in having complete control over your life. True rest is found in surrendering your life to the One who knows the way better than you do.And as you willingly follow Him, you will discover that His yoke leads not to bondage but to purpose, peace, joy, satisfaction, and true fulfillment.Remember Coming to Jesus gives us rest, but taking His yoke teaches us how to live in that rest. PRAYER Heavenly Father,Forgive me for the times I have wanted Jesus as my Saviour but resisted allowing Him to be Lord over every area of my life.Today I surrender my plans, desires, ambitions, relationships, future, ministry, work, and decisions to You.Not my will, but Yours be done.In Jesus' name, Amen. DAILY BIBLE READING Luke 9:23–24,John 15:1–11,Prov 3:5–6,Rom 12:1–2 Author : Alfred Wabuko Manyasi Contact : Email : Dominionvoicesminisrty[gmail].com Facebook : Alfred Wabuko Manyasi 🌐 Dominion Daily Devotion, 2026 © Dominion Voices Ministry

Our culture has made self the centre of everything: self-love, self-esteem, self-discovery, and self-expression. But as long as self remains on the throne, there will be problems. The Gospel calls us from self to the Saviour, from self-discovery to self-denial, from self-esteem to self-sacrifice. Our eyes must be fixed on Jesus, not on ourselves. If self were the answer, we would need no Saviour.

Good morning, brethren. 1. Morning devotion for today. MD.i. 😀🎀💝🎁🌺🌹MORNING TEA THE WORD FOR TODAY WEDNESDAY AUGUST 26, 2O26. "THERE’S NOBODY LIKE HIM {1}" ‘I…am the Lord, and besides Me, there is no saviour.’ Isaiah 43:11 NKJV THE ISRAELITES were commanded not to make any ‘graven image’ of God. Why? Because God made us, we didn’t make Him. A god you can make is a god you can control and make do whatever you wish. The ancient Greeks had a host of gods, all created by men. Some demanded human sacrifice; others permitted prostitution and even promoted it in their temples. When we reverse the order and start to create God in our own image (according to our own imagination) we get the following things: 1) A god who’s liberal or conservative, a hawk or a dove; a god politicians conveniently pull out of a box at election time to gain votes even though they don’t truly serve him. 2) A flexible god who permits you to do whatever you want, and you can then say, ‘I just felt led to do it.’ 3) A god who promises to bless his children but never discipline them. 4) A god you can ‘keep in his place’ until you need him. 5) A god who is not supreme but happy to be one of many deities offering many ways to heaven. Not so! God says, ‘I, even I, am the Lord, and besides Me there is no saviour.’ Jesus said, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me’ (John 14:6 NKJV). Jesus doesn’t need a makeover to bring Him into alignment with the Internet and the space age. He is Lord! Indeed, if He is not Lord over all, He is not Lord at all! Bible In A Year: Ezek 5-9, Matt 21:12-17, Ps 119:169-176, Pro 19:9-10. Courtesy: Grace So Amazing Foundation 🌹🎀 *To partner with us, kindly refer to page 9 of the hard copy edition or simply send us a WhatsApp message/call on +2348128000068.*🌷🎀💝🌹. MD.ii. [25/08, 9:09 pm] Pastor Attah: *MEDITATIONS ON DAILY ⓂANNA* WEDNESDAY, 26TH AUGUST, 2026. *COURAGE TO RISE AND MOVE ON AFTER A SERIOUS SETBACK* *TEXT:* JOSHUA 1:11-18. 11 Pass through the host, and command the people, saying, Prepare you victuals; for within three days ye shall pass over this Jordan, to go in to possess the land, which the LORD your God giveth you to possess it. 12 And to the Reubenites, and to the Gadites, and to half the tribe of Manasseh, spake Joshua, saying, 13 Remember the word which Moses the servant of the LORD commanded you, saying, The LORD your God hath given you rest, and hath given you this land. 14 Your wives, your little ones, and your cattle, shall remain in the land which Moses gave you on this side Jordan; but ye shall pass before your brethren armed, all the mighty men of valour, and help them; 15 Until the LORD have given your brethren rest, as he hath given you, and they also have possessed the land which the Lyord  your God giveth them: then ye shall return unto the land of your possession, and enjoy it, which Moses the LORD's servant gave you on this side Jordan toward the sunrising. 16 And they answered Joshua, saying, All that thou commandest us we will do, and whithersoever thou sendest us, we will go. 17 According as we hearkened unto Moses in all things, so will we hearken unto thee: only the LORD thy God be with thee, as he was with Moses. 18 Whosoever he be that doth rebel against thy commandment, and will not hearken unto thy words in all that thou commandest him, he shall be put to death: only be strong and of a good courage *Timeless Truth:*_"Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul"_ (Hebrews 10:38,39). *INTRODUCTION* 40 years have passed now when they left Egypt with great joy and hope coupled with triumph over the oppressive and terrorizing Egyptians. Little did they know the challenges that will greet them on the way. A few days journey from Kadesh to Jordan turned to 40 years. All the adults, except Caleb and Joshua, who left Egypt died without reaching the promised Canaan. Unfortunately, Moses, their faithful leader, including their high priest Aaron, and Miriam the Women Leader were painfully casualties. They just finished mourning Moses for 30 days. That was not their plan and expectations when they left Egypt. However, they must move on and enter the land of promise after all those setbacks. This takes courage and faith in God. The Christian life is similar especially, when the heart is not sanctified. Starting with the indescribable Joy of Salvation, the journey to heaven began. But unexpectedly, along the way, there are battles to fight, divine disciplines to endure and challenges meant to perfect that will be experienced. Those experiences and setbacks should not becloud our forward march to heaven; we must keep moving on until we enter the promised heaven. The Apostles were said to be *"Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom"* (Acts 14:22). *1. The Command to be Observed with Unwavering Faith* a. Joshua commanded the captains to *"Pass through the host, and command the people, saying, Prepare you victuals"*. Some people who willingly obey the commandments in their work places, public transports, whether land, air or sea, deride commandments when it comes from God through church leaders or shepherds. Some refused or stopped going to church because of their hate for commandments. They often talk of human rights, human free will etc when commandments are given by God through His ministers. The truth is that no man, no matter how wise or intelligent, can live happily or successfully in the world without learning to listen to instructions or commandments and follow them in every sphere of life. The Word of God is filled with instructions and commandment because none can claim to know the correct and fulfilling routes in life when he has never passed through it. Human security, safety, fulfillment and joy are tied to the ability to hear, listen and obey godly instructions and commandments. The 'dos' and 'don'ts' of the Word of God, which carnal minds reject, are actually, the path way to a happy and fulfilling life. b. Moses, their Prophet par excellence who used to see and hear from God directly was gone. Yet they did not idolize Moses that since Moses was gone all hope was lost. Their confidence was in God without any cult personality. True believers should not see any of their leaders as a cult personality to idolize. Cult personality in the household of faith is carnality and idol worship in action. Any God-given leader at any time should be obeyed and followed because it is the commandment of God and His Word that matters most and not the human vessel. Israel lost nothing as a result of the death of Moses. The same God who moved mightily in Moses also moved greatly in Joshua that Israel never regretted the death of Moses. The Command of Joshua was military in nature, but obeying it will require courage and faith. *"Within three days ye shall pass over this Jordan, to go in to possess the land, which the LORD your God giveth you to possess it"*. Looking back, many souls have died without receiving the promise. Looking forward to Jordan that it would take a great miracle like it happened in the Red Sea before they could pass. However, Joshua gave the commandment as if the Jordan challenge was not there. Israel also did not raise alarm about the humanly impassable Jordan. They all jointly and unitedly believed God that crossing was a done deal since it was God who commanded and God had done it before. We must move on by faith to the hope set before us with courage. Since God has promised to take us to heaven, no need to fear the assault of persistent temptations, the murmurs of persecutions and afflictions, the threat of marital and career setbacks and the cruel dread of principalities and power. Just move on in obedience and faith according to His Word and be sure you will land on the other side of the river. *Question* Have you decided to continue the journey to the end no matter the challenges on the way? *2.Care to be Offered to the Unsettled Families* a. The Reubenites, and to the Gadites, and to half the tribe of Manasseh were given their land and possession before they crossed the Jordan River. Now that the soldiers of those tribes were settled, it was tempting for them to quit the journey and go to their rest. Moses settled that need for genuine brotherly love before he died. Joshua recalled that because he knew that the commandment of God does not die with the vessel that God used to declare it. He said, *"Remember the word which Moses the servant of the LORD commanded you, saying, The LORD your God hath given you rest, and hath given you this land"*. The vulnerable were to stay behind in the promised land while their soldiers joined the remaining Israelites to fight the Canaanites. There was no rest for them until their brethren had rest. Obeying that would require faith and a golden caring heart. First, who would protect those vulnerable two and half tribes when all their soldiers leave them behind? David did that for his wives and vulnerable followers in Ziklag and the Amalekites overran the wives and carried away everything belonging to them. Was that commandment of Moses reasonable? It was reasonable since it was given by God. It was reasonable because faith in God would not be disappointed. It was reasonable because the law of love is stronger than the law of self protection. This is the lesson for us as to how God works. b. *"Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfill ye the law of Christ"* (Galatians 6:2). Any law, policy or principle that does not visibly reflect the care and love for one another in the family, church and among neighbours is not of God no matter how the world exalts it. Practical and sacrificial care for one another is the hall mark of Christianity. When that is missing, the Christian faith is not different from other religions. Believers should lighten burdens of others, wiping off bitter tears, relieving the oppressed, putting the balm of Gilead in the troubled souls in addition to assisting and supporting others through prayer. Selfishness, self interest, self protection, self respect, etc.are being imported into the church as wisdom, but they are not Christlike. *"Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others"* (Philippians 2:4). This is a commandment. *Question* Are you practically bearing others burdens or are you hypocritically selfish? *3. Consecration to Obedience and Unity by the Faithful* a. Christian consecration is the solemn act of setting apart a person, place or thing from ordinary, secular use and dedicating it entirely to God and holy purposes. This includes consecration to do and obey the Word of God. It is difficult in these last days of superficial christianity and devotion to deliberately, doggedly and determinedly stick to the Word of God without definite consecrations. When it comes to unity among brethren, many things often threaten unity and it takes consecration with godly unity in order to ensure the unity of the saints. This is needful because the victory, the blessings and divine visitations on a people are tightly connected to unity. Unity must be encouraged and enforced in order to enjoy God's bests. *"Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the body of peace"*. We must preach it, pray for it, practice it and pass it on to the future generations. Would the Holy Spirit have descended on the Early Church if they were not united in the Upper Room? If the Trinity is not united, what would the world look like? *"And they answered Joshua, saying, All that thou commandest us we will do, and whithersoever thou sendest us, we will go"*. It takes deliberate consecration to God to obey all the commandments of God without complaining. It takes consecration to follow a man of like passion wholeheartedly. Consecrations are milestones to spiritual maturity and profitability in the hands of God. Spiritual growth into higher ground is all about making higher consecrations and working it out through the grace of God. *Question* What are the irreversible consecrations you have made to God so far? *Prayer Points* 1.Father, give me power and faith, with courage, to keep moving on until I land in the heavenly Canaan land and let me not fall by the way side 🙏. 2.Make me an agent of unity and let the Spirit of unity and obedience reign in the midst of Your children. 3.Give me more love to bear one another's burdens and cleanse my heart from all forms of selfishness 🙏. 4.Help all Your children to be given to deeper consecrations🙏. *HYMN:* Arise O youth of God *BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:* HABAKKUK 1-3. [25/08, 9:09 pm] Pastor Attah: ```DAILY Ⓜ️ANNA - (A DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE FOR ADULTS) WEDNESDAY 26TH AUGUST, 2026``` *PREPARATION FOR ENDURING POSSESSIONS* 📓📖🎚️🫵🏽🙋🏽‍♂️🙋🏽‍♀️🧎🏽🧎🏽‍♀️🙏🏽🙌🏽 📜📜```TEXT:JOSHUA 1:11-18```📜📜 🔑📖```KEY VERSE:``` _*"And they answered Joshua, saying, All that thou commandest us we will do, and whithersoever thou sendest us, we will go" (JOSHUA 1:16).*_ *C. Reuben Anderson, an American, told a story of an engineer who was confined to bed because his lower limbs were paralysed from a serious accident. Because of his reputation for great skill, he was asked to design and prepare the blueprints for a great suspension bridge. After many months, his plans were completed and placed in the hands of those who were to be in charge of the bridge's construction. After a considerable period, the construction was completed. The engineer was brought on his bed to the scene of the beautiful bridge spanning the wide river. As he watched for the first time as cars sped over the bridge, and as he looked at the blueprints which he held in his hands, tears began to fill his eyes, and he cried out, "It's just like the plan; it's just like the plan." Undoubtedly, the sense of accomplishment brought tears of joy to the eyes of the intelligent and fulfilled engineer. His good works serve humanity! What a lesson! We must live to add value to others.* *Today's passage centres on the preparation of Israel to go in and possess the Promised Land under the able leadership of Joshua, the son of Nun, the commander of the army of Israel after the death of Moses. This time, they were on the verge of entering Canaan. Strategically, he told the army to prepare, and he reminded the three tribes: Reuben, Gad and the half tribe of Manasseh of their promise to Moses that they would cross the River Jordan and fight alongside the nine and the half tribes until they possessed their inheritance before returning to settle on the east side of Jordan. The tribal leaders affirmed their commitment and promised to follow Joshua as they followed Moses, irrespective of the challenges ahead.* *The salient lesson here include the unity among the tribes, cooperation with the leader, and Joshua's uncompromising, indefatigable leadership style that gave Israel the edge. As a result, the nation won battles, conquered adversaries, and possessed the Promised Land.* *Families, churches, societies and nations that desire victory in life's battles and challenges must follow the same pattern. Beyond earthly victories and possessions, there is an enduring possession in heaven for the saints of God. Our Lord Jesus Christ has gone to prepare a place for all who make themselves ready and willing to follow Him unconditionally.* ✍🏽```THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:``` _*A walk with God is the surest way of victory in all battles.*_ 📜📜```THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:``` *HABAKKUK 1-3*📜📜 Preparation For Enduring Possessions https://dailymanna.app// *RECOMMENDED GOSPEL HYMNS AND SONGS - GHS 27: I AM BOUND FOR CANAAN; GHS 42: CLOSE TO THEE; GHS 44: COME OVER; AND GHS 51: THAT BLESSED CANAAN LAND* *TXD [THEXDEVOTIONALS] on Twitter* *#DailyManna26thAugust2026* *#GCK* *#WorshipNuggets* *#BibleNuggets* *#LeadershipNuggets* *#RevivalNuggets* *#CrusadeNuggets* https://www.youtube.com/[THEXDEVOTIONALS] [25/08, 9:09 pm] Pastor Attah: ```DEEPER CHRISTIAN LIFE MINISTRY``` _*HIGHER EVERYD🅰️Y: (A DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE FOR YOUTHS)*_ ✍🏽👩🏻‍💼🌻 🍇🙏🏽🛰🚀🔬📚 ```WEDNESDAY 26TH AUGUST, 2026``` *CALL TO SPECIAL SERVICE* 🎚️📓📖🫵🏽🙋🏽‍♂️🙋🏽‍♀️🧎🏽🧎🏽‍♀️🙏🏽 📜📜```TEXT:EXODUS 31:1-11```📜📜 📖``` MEMORY VERSE:``` _*"See, I have called by name Bezaleel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah: And I have filled him with the spirit of God, in wisdom, and in understanding, and in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship" (EXODUS 31:2-3).*_ *God gives everyone talents and gifts to function in the church and community for the common good of His church and humanity. However, some people are called of God and endowed specially for specific assignments.* *Such were Bezaleel and Hur. God gave them wisdom, understanding and knowledge to be able to translate the vision of the tabernacle shown to Moses on the mountain, to reality. They were to build according to pattern.* *The Holy Spirit apportions to each member of the church as He wills. In talents and gifts, are embedded all abilities and ministries needed by every believer to fulfill their divinely ordained functions.* *God equips those He engages. Has God given you a specific task to do? The wherewithal to get the work done will always be available. Does your task look irksome? The wisdom, grace and resources are available. Identify your specific assignment and work on it.* *However, everyone is called to the service of soul winning. Having received the gift of salvation, every believer must take the gospel message to all sinners. It is an all-believers' duty, without exception.* 💬 ```QUOTE:``` _*God equips those He engages.*_ 🏆 ```CHALLENGE:``` _*Invest your talents and gifts in the kingdom of God.*_ 🙏🏽🙏🏽 ```PRAYER:``` _*Lord, use me for Your glory.*_ Call To Special Service https://dailymanna.app// *TXD [THEXDEVOTIONALS] on Twitter* *#HigherEveryday26thAugust2026* *#GCK* *#WorshipNuggets* *#BibleNuggets* *#LeadershipNuggets* *#RevivalNuggets* *#CrusadeNuggets* https://www.youtube.com/[THEXDEVOTIONALS] [25/08, 9:09 pm] Pastor Attah: ```DEEPER CHRISTIAN LIFE MINISTRY``` _*(SINCERE MILK: Children Daily Devotional Guide 2⃣0⃣2⃣6️⃣)*_ 🙇🏼🙇🏼🙇‍♀️🙇‍♀️🙇🏼🙇‍♀️🙇🏼🙇‍♀️🙇🏼‍♂️ ```WEDNESDAY 26TH AUGUST, 2026``` *NOAH - A RIGHTEOUS MAN* 📓📖🎚️🫵🏽🙋🏽‍♂️🙋🏽‍♀️⚖️🛥️🐄🐄🐒🐒🦅🦅🦉🦉🐴🐴🐗🐗🫎🫎🦓🦓🦍🦍🐘🐘🐎🐎🐑🐑🐓🐓🐇🐇🧎🏽🧎🏽‍♀️🙏🏽 📜📜```GENESIS 6:1-9```📜📜 🕔📚🖋️🚻😁🎼🏆🍉🪴🌈💻 🔑📖 ```Key Verse:``` _*"These are the generations of Noah: Noah was a just man and perfect in his generations, and Noah walked with God" (Genesis 6:9).*_ 📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖 God was displeased with the wickedness of humanity that He decided to send a flood to destroy the earth. However, He chose Noah, a righteous man to build an ark to save himself, his family and two of every kind of animals. For about 120 years, Noah was busy building the ark based on God's instructions and specifications. He also used the opportunity to warn of the impending judgment on the world in the form of a flood. But nobody heeded Noah's plea. They found it hard to believe that a loving God could also punish sin and destroy the world. Noah knew his God and obeyed God's instructions to the letter, even though he had never seen rain nor flood before. He did exploits for God and helped in the fulfilment of God's programme for that age. *The judgment of God is fast approaching again. This present world will soon be burnt with fire. It is the duty of all Christian boys and girls to live righteously and also serve as true witnesses to help sinners escape the coming destruction and judgment. God still commits His divine assignments into the hands of His faithful children.* 🍥🍥🍥🍥🍥🍥🍥🍥 ```🅿️rayer:``` _*God, please help me to be faithful in all that You have committed into my hands, in Jesus' name.*_ 🙏🏽 ```📖 Further Reading:``` *2 Peter 2:4-6* Noah - A Righteous Man https://dailymanna.app// *TXD [THEXDEVOTIONALS] on Twitter* *#SincereMilk26thAugust2026* *#GCK* *#WorshipNuggets* *#BibleNuggets* *#LeadershipNuggets* *#RevivalNuggets* *#CrusadeNuggets* https://www.youtube.com/[THEXDEVOTIONALS]. 2. Morning Prayer for today. MP.i. Morning Prayer I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, [which is] your reasonable service. ⏤ Romans 12:1 Prayer is the life-breath of the soul. Without it, we grow faint and weary. ⏤ F.B. Meyer O God, You alone make us dwell in safety. We lie down at night under the shadow of Your wings, and we awake in the morning under the blessing of Your love because You have sustained us. Once again, we thank You for Your care and protection, and for the gift of sleep. We renew our consecration to You this morning, asking for Your permission to live another day for You and with You, doing Your will. Make the way clear for us, and do not let us stray from the paths of Your commandments. In our worldly affairs, grant us wisdom and grace. May it please You to prosper us in our daily work. May Your Holy Spirit preside over our home. Protect us from harm of every kind. Let us not be careless in our duties or neglectful in our tasks today. Help us to make the most of every moment of this day. This day is Yours, not ours; it is ours to use for You. May we spend it in such a way that every moment will bear good fruit. In our conversations, may we speak only words that build others up—kind words, true words. Keep us from complaining and grumbling. Teach us the lesson of contentment so that we never murmur or complain. May it please You to keep us from speaking words that would discourage others. May we always speak words that uplift and encourage, making it easier for others to live. Forbid that we should say anything that would make anyone's burden heavier or their path more difficult. May we live every moment for You, serving You faithfully, and at last may You receive us into Your heavenly glory, through Jesus Christ our Redeemer. Amen. https://www.youdevotion.com/daily-prayer/miller/52/morning #taptapstudio #youdevotion.

THE 10 KEY CHARACTERISTICS OF A TRUE DISCIPLE OF JESUS CHRIST 1. Self-Denial and Surrender: Choosing to put aside personal desires, control, and selfish ambition to follow Jesus daily. 2. Obedience to His Word: Remaining anchored in Christ's teachings and consistently putting His commands into practice. 3. Radical, Sacrificial Love: Loving others unconditionally—even the difficult or unlovely—just as Christ loved us. 4. Bearing Spiritual Fruit: Producing the evidence of the Holy Spirit's transforming work in character, attitude, and actions. 5. Willingness to Count the Cost: Accepting hardships, rejections, or personal sacrifices for the sake of following Christ. 6. A Humble and Teachable Heart: Approaching God and others with humility, recognizing a daily need for His grace and guidance. 7. Ongoing Spiritual Growth: Actively seeking to mature in faith, wisdom, and likeness to Jesus over a lifetime. 8. Making Other Disciples: Passing on the message and teachings of Christ to help others grow in their faith. 9. A Distinct Public Witness: Living in a way that stands out from the world, so others recognize whose we are through our actions and love. 10. Perseverance Through Trials: Enduring life's difficulties with steadfast faith, trusting God's ultimate purpose and presence. "We meet God through entering into a relationship both of dependence on Jesus as our Saviour and Friend and of discipleship to Him as our Lord and Master." — J.I. Packer 20th Century Teacher, Theologian and Author. Best known for his classic book KNOWING GOD. If you haven’t read it I strongly recommend that you do. _____________________

And the Lᴏʀᴅ said: I have surely seen the oppression of My people who are in Egypt. Exodus 3:7 It is noteworthy how people often turn to the Bible when circumstances become dire. A politician refers to the Covid-19 pandemic as a “plague of biblical proportions”. Confronted with extreme criticism, he deflects it by saying, “I am neither the Pharaoh who oppressed, nor the Moses who liberated.” Let’s rewind to ancient Egypt. The people of Israel groan under the oppression of Pharaoh. The situation becomes unbearable. The Israelites cry out to God and plead for deliverance. God hears and calls Moses to lead the people out of Egypt. But Pharaoh refuses to let them go; he is unwilling to relinquish his cheap labour force under any circumstances. So, God intervenes: He sends ten successive plagues upon Egypt, each worse than the last. That’s the biblical account in brief. Isn’t it striking that the politician didn’t mention God? Yet God played the pivotal role in the plagues in Egypt. It wasn’t Moses who saved the people but only God, through His mighty intervention. So, let’s ask ourselves: In times of distress, do we still call upon God or consciously ignore Him?Do we recognise that without God, we are lost?Do we come to the Saviour God who wants to save us? Back then, God sought to change Pharaoh’s mindset through the plagues. Even today, God sometimes speaks very seriously to us. What do we do? Do we harden ours hearts like Pharaoh? Or do we open ourselves to God, confess our sins to Him, and gratefully accept His offer of salvation through the Lord Jesus Christ? Today’s reading: Joshua 24:16-33 · 1 Corinthians 16:10-24 https://gbv-online.org/calendar/262/date/2026-08-26

OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL DATE: WEDNESDAY 26TH AUGUST 2026 TOPIC: FEAR GOD, PART 2 MEMORIZE: "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction." Proverbs 1:7 (KJV) BIBLE READING: DANIEL 1:8-20 8 But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king's meat, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself. 9 Now God had brought Daniel into favour and tender love with the prince of the eunuchs. 10 And the prince of the eunuchs said unto Daniel, I fear my lord the king, who hath appointed your meat and your drink: for why should he see your faces worse liking than the children which are of your sort? then shall ye make me endanger my head to the king. 11 Then said Daniel to Melzar, whom the prince of the eunuchs had set over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, 12 Prove thy servants, I beseech thee, ten days; and let them give us pulse to eat, and water to drink. 13 Then let our countenances be looked upon before thee, and the countenance of the children that eat of the portion of the king's meat: and as thou seest, deal with thy servants. 14 So he consented to them in this matter, and proved them ten days. 15 And at the end of ten days their countenances appeared fairer and fatter in flesh than all the children which did eat the portion of the king's meat. 16 Thus Melzar took away the portion of their meat, and the wine that they should drink; and gave them pulse. 17 As for these four children, God gave them knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom: and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams. 18 Now at the end of the days that the king had said he should bring them in, then the prince of the eunuchs brought them in before Nebuchadnezzar. 19 And the king communed with them; and among them all was found none like Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah: therefore stood they before the king. 20 And in all matters of wisdom and understanding, that the king enquired of them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and astrologers that were in all his realm. MESSAGE: Yesterday, I discussed some benefits of having the fear of God, and today I will discuss how having the fear of God can give you access to the secrets of His heart. The Bible says in Psalm 25:14 that the secret of the Lord is with those who fear Him, and He will reveal His covenant to them. God shares His secrets with those who fear Him, just like we humans tend to confide in those who believe in us and hold us in high regard. Abraham was someone who feared the Lord, and in turn, he was given access to the secrets of God's heart. When God wanted to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah, He said, "...Shall I hide from Abraham that thing which I do," (Genesis 18:17). God can only say such about the people who fear Him because He knows that they will cherish His secrets. Daniel was another person who gained tremendous insights because of how he feared and honoured God. He was taken into captivity at a young age, but his fear of the Lord led him to remain faithful to Him. The Bible says in Daniel 1:8 that he purposed in his heart not to defile himself with the portion of the king's meat. He honoured God by being faithful to Him even in a foreign land and also led his companions to do the same. God, in turn, honoured his decision by making him and his companions ten times better than their peers (Daniel 1:20). When the king had a dream that none of the magicians in the land could tell or interpret, God revealed it to Daniel (Daniel 2:19). Beloved, when you fear God, you will never lack spiritual knowledge and insight because God will always make sure that you have access to it. Today's memory verse says that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, and Psalm 111:10 also says that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. Everyone who feared the Lord in the Bible had access to uncommon knowledge. If you want to access that kind of knowledge, you have to fear God. If you want God to give you the treasures of darkness and hidden riches in secret places, just as He promised in Isaiah 45:3, you must honour Him with your thoughts, decisions, and actions. I pray that the Almighty God will give you access to the secrets of His heart as you honour Him with your life, in Jesus' name. KEY POINT: Those who fear God have access to uncommon insights and knowledge. BIBLE READING IN ONE YEAR: EZEKIEL 9 - 12 AUTHOR: PASTOR E. A. ADEBOYE HYMNAL 23 - ALL TO JESUS I SURRENDER 1. All to Jesus I surrender all to Him I freely give; I will ever low and trust Him, in His presence daily live. CHORUS: I surrender all, I surrender all: All to Thee, my blessed saviour, I surrender all. 2. All to Jesus I surrender, Humbly at His feet l bow; Worldly pleasures all forsaken. Take me, Jesus, take me now. CHORUS: 3. All to Jesus I surrender. Lord, I give myself to Thee; Fill me with Thy love and power, Let Thy blessing fall on me. CHORUS: 4. All to Jesus I surrender, now I feel the sacred flame o the joy of full salvation! Glory, glory to His name! CHORUS:

28 Beleifs # 25 THE SECOND COMING OF CHRIST The second coming of Christ is the blessed hope of the church, the grand climax of the gospel. The Saviour’s coming willbe literal, personal, visible, and worl dwide. When He returns, the righteous dead will be resurrected, and together with the righteous living will be glorified and taken to heaven, but the unrighteous will die. The almost complete fulfillment of most lines of prophecy, together with the present condition of the world, indicates that Christ’s coming is near. The time of that event has not been revealed, and we are therefore exhorted to be ready at all times.

𝐓𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐦 𝐀𝐥𝐬𝐨 ✍️ “𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘵𝘳𝘶𝘵𝘩 𝘸𝘦 𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘯 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘯𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘮𝘦𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘺; 𝘛𝘦𝘢𝘤𝘩 𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘴 𝘎𝘰𝘥’𝘴 𝘞𝘰𝘳𝘥, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘱𝘢𝘴𝘴 𝘪𝘵 𝘰𝘯 𝘦𝘢𝘤𝘩 𝘥𝘢𝘺.” We live in a generation flooded with information but starving for truth. Thousands of voices are accessible in seconds, yet trust is hard to find. Even believers may settle for hearing sermons without helping others grow. Whether new or seasoned in faith, the question isn't just if we are learning—but if we are helping others learn to follow Christ. Jesus ends the Great Commission in 🕮 𝐌𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐰 𝟐𝟖:𝟐𝟎: "𝘛𝘦𝘢𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘮 𝘵𝘰 𝘰𝘣𝘴𝘦𝘳𝘷𝘦 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵𝘴𝘰𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘐 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘥 𝘺𝘰𝘶..." It doesn't end when someone believes. Christ called disciples to teach others to obey all He commanded. The work of the Gospel is not merely making converts—it is making disciples. We don't just bring lost people to Christ; we help them grow in Christ. Picture a relay race where the runner crosses the finish line still clutching the baton, refusing to pass it on. The race stops with him—no matter how fast he ran. Faith works the same way. Truth received but never taught dies with the one who held it. Christ calls us to pass the baton, generation after generation, until He returns. Scripture commands us to pass truth on: “𝘎𝘰 𝘺𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘦, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘦𝘢𝘤𝘩 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘯𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴” (𝐌𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐰 𝟐𝟖:𝟏𝟗). Paul told Timothy, “𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶 𝘩𝘢𝘴𝘵 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘥...𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘮𝘪𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘰 𝘧𝘢𝘪𝘵𝘩𝘧𝘶𝘭 𝘮𝘦𝘯, 𝘸𝘩𝘰 𝘴𝘩𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘵𝘦𝘢𝘤𝘩 𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘴” (𝟐 𝐓𝐢𝐦𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐲 𝟐:𝟐). We are urged to “𝘨𝘳𝘰𝘸 𝘪𝘯 𝘨𝘳𝘢𝘤𝘦, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸𝘭𝘦𝘥𝘨𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘓𝘰𝘳𝘥” (𝟐 𝐏𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝟑:𝟏𝟖), as Scripture is “𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘧𝘪𝘵𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘥𝘰𝘤𝘵𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘦, 𝘳𝘦𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘰𝘧, 𝘤𝘰𝘳𝘳𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯, 𝘪𝘯𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘶𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯” (𝟐 𝐓𝐢𝐦𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐲 𝟑:𝟏𝟔). God’s Word transforms lives. Teaching isn't just for pastors. Parents teach children, mature believers encourage younger ones, Sunday school teachers disciple classes, and one believer opens Scripture with another. Don't be a spiritual reservoir that only receives but never releases. What God teaches us through His Word must become truth we share. We aren't called to collect sermons alone—we are called to multiply disciples. Before Christ commanded us to teach others, He first taught us the truth that leads to salvation. He declared, "𝘐 𝘢𝘮 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘺, 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘵𝘳𝘶𝘵𝘩, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘦" (𝐉𝐨𝐡𝐧 𝟏𝟒:𝟔). He died for our sins, was buried, and rose again according to the Scriptures (𝟏 𝐂𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐚𝐧𝐬 𝟏𝟓:𝟑–𝟒). The risen Christ is not merely the subject of our teaching—He is the Saviour at the center of it. We teach His Word because we have first been transformed by His grace. Who is spiritually starving while you feast on the Word? You have been hoarding the Bread of life (𝐉𝐨𝐡𝐧 𝟔:𝟑𝟓) instead of breaking it for others. You don't need Christ merely to give you something to teach—you need Him because He is the Truth you are called to know, live, and proclaim. Learn His Word. Live His Word. Teach His Word. What God has faithfully taught us was never meant to end with us. 𝐏𝐫𝐚𝐲𝐞𝐫: Heavenly Father, thank You for giving us Your truth through Your Word. Forgive us for receiving biblical instruction without faithfully passing it on. Help us grow in wisdom and grace, and give us opportunities to teach others faithfully, patiently, and clearly. May every disciple we influence become more like Christ. In Jesus' Name. Amen. Remember, a dose of God’s Word a day will keep you going all day! 𝐀𝐥𝐰𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐁𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐧 𝐖𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐆𝐨𝐝... _____________________________________________________ All scripture references were taken from the KJV Bible. Thank you for allowing this ministry to be a part of your day… If my posts speak to your heart, you may be blessed by the full devotional series created for deeper reflection and journaling: 👉 FREE FlipBook Previews: https://heyzine.com/flip-book/ae17998766.html 📚 Also available now on Amazon (Kindle & Paperback) ✨ Read for FREE with Kindle Unlimited! https://www.amazon.com/author/dennislastimoso Also, just in case you need a reliable, dedicated online Bible Study Tool, I created one for you. 👉 Try it here for FREE, anytime at your hand: https://www.baptistry.app Your support helps us continue this ministry, edifying the believers around the world. May God bless you more abundantly…

A NUGGET OF TRUTH God’s moral law was never intended to define sin for Israel alone. Paul states plainly: “For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law… these… shew the work of the law written in their hearts.” —Romans 2:14–15 Gentiles could be judged as sinners because the moral standard of God applied to them also. Paul adds: “For as many as have sinned without law shall also perish without law… for not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified.” —Romans 2:12–13 The law reveals sin: “By the law is the knowledge of sin.” —Romans 3:20 And sin is not limited to Jews: “All have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.” —Romans 3:23 The same God justifies both Jew and Gentile through faith: “Is He the God of the Jews only? Is He not also of the Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles also.” —Romans 3:29 And that faith does not abolish His law: “Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law.” —Romans 3:31 The New Testament therefore presents one God, one definition of sin, one gospel, one Saviour, and one moral standard for humanity. Salvation is not earned by obedience. It is received by grace through faith. But the faith that saves does not erase God’s law—it writes His law upon the heart and produces obedience. One Saviour. One Gospel. One Moral Law. One way of salvation for Jew and Gentile.

Conflict and Courage. Habakkuk Behold, his soul which is lifted up is not upright in him: but the just shall live by his faith. Habakkuk 2:4. At the time Josiah began to rule, and for many years before, the truehearted in Judah were questioning whether God's promises to ancient Israel could ever be fulfilled.... These anxious questionings were voiced by the prophet Habakkuk. Viewing the situation of the faithful in his day, he expressed the burden of his heart in the inquiry: “O Lord, how long shall I cry, and thou wilt not hear!” ... And then, his faith reaching out beyond the forbidding prospect of the immediate future, and laying fast hold on the precious promises that reveal God's love for His trusting children, the prophet added, “We shall not die.” With this declaration of faith he rested his case, and that of every believing Israelite, in the hands of a compassionate God.... The faith that strengthened Habakkuk and all the holy and the just in those days of deep trial was the same faith that sustains God's people today. In the darkest hours, under circumstances the most forbidding, the Christian believer may keep his soul stayed upon the source of all light and power. Day by day, through faith in God, his hope and courage may be renewed. “The just shall live by his faith.” ... We must cherish and cultivate the faith of which prophets and apostles have testified—the faith that lays hold on the promises of God and waits for deliverance in His appointed time and way. The sure word of prophecy will meet its final fulfillment in the glorious advent of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, as King of kings and Lord of lords.... With the prophet who endeavored to encourage Judah in a time of unparalleled apostasy, let us confidently declare, “The Lord is in his holy temple: let all the earth keep silence before him.” Let us ever hold in remembrance the cheering message, “The vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come.” 36Prophets and Kings, 384-388.